Tribute On The Ice Held For Teen Paralyzed By Check

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Jack Jablonski's Benilde-St. Margaret teammates took to the ice Saturday night for the first game since the 16-year-old suffered a paralyzing injury, and the game, despite his absence, appeared to be all about him.

Thirteen -- Jablonski's jersey number -- was a symbol hard to miss inside the St. Louis Park Recreation Center. The teen's number appeared on buttons, T-shirts, hats and signs. Along with symbolizing Jablonski to many of his supporters, the number also symbolizes the hope many have in his recovery.

"It's the number we now correlate with a miracle waiting to happen," one supporter said.

Leslie Jablonski, Jack Jablonski's mother, went to the game to support her son's team.

"I want them to know Jack is thinking of them," she said.

She also added that Jablonski is making some improvements. She said that Jablonski was able to move both his right and left arm below the triceps on command -- something Jablonski shouldn't be able to do due to where his spine is severed.

More good news came Saturday from the Hennepin County Medical Center, which upgraded Jablonski's condition from critical to serious.

Both these improvements gave hope to Jablonski's family, friends and his legions of supporters.

"I don't believe in miracles," Leslie Jablonski said. "I rely on them. We had no idea what that would mean until today."

Jablonski's younger brother took his place on the ice, where a moment of silence and a prayer were held in the recovering teen's name.

How You Can Help

Jablonski's family launched a new website that has the latest updates on his condition and information about
Jablonski's fund. It can be found at www.jabby13.com